The Easirent “What’s On” in Aberdeen Guide

Aberdeen’s events calendar is brimming with activities for adults and children alike. With regular events happening each year, such as the magically delightful Christmas Tree Switch On, to the annual Fireworks Display, there’s plenty to see and do when you’re visiting the granite city.

Hiring a car is one of the more practical options, if you’re looking to squeeze in as many activities as possible during your trip. Here at Easirent Aberdeen Airport, we’re happy to help you choose your ideal wheels to best appreciate your Scottish trip.

From the traditional to the unusual, Aberdeen’s events are memorable experiences, many renowned nationally and internationally. Rooted firmly in the Doric culture, and the heritage of the spaces and places around them, the events in Aberdeen incorporate light, music, dance and culture.

With many of the events shaped by their settings, you can experience a diverse range of coastline, farmland, forests and rolling highlands – they’re the best way to get a true taste of the Aberdeenshire culture.

Highland Games

Most people have heard of the Highland Games at least once or twice in their time, but the one thing better than hearing about them, is seeing them for yourself. And when best to catch your first glimpse of the games than during your stay in Aberdeen? From tossing the caber, to the tug of war, the Highland Games is renowned the world over as a true Scottish symbol – and it’s something that those north of the border are extremely proud of.

The Aberdeen Highland Games are part of the Grampian Games and last for one day. Usually taking place during the warmer summer months, the Aberdeen Highland Games are the ideal place for an interactive family day out. Those brave enough to give it a go, can take part in some specially created public-games, alternatively you can sit back and enjoy the activities that make the games so uniquely special: there’s heavy weight, running events, solo piping. And, of course, no games would be complete without Highland dancing.

Seasonal Events

The run up to Christmas is probably the busiest season in the Aberdeen events calendar, with Halloween, Bonfire Night and many more seasonal events, taking centre stage for the winter months.
If it’s fireworks you’re after, look no further than the Aberdeen City Firework Display. The annual firework display, is held on 5 November each year at Beach Boulevard. If you’re thinking of driving to the event in your rental car, then make sure that you arrive at your destination in order to beat the crows, which gather from around 18:00 onwards. The event features – other than fireworks, of course – fire jugglers and charity fire walks. The best vantage spots are on Beach Boulevard, Queen’s Links and Esplanade.

As previously mentioned, one of the standout events of the year is the Christmas Tree Light switch on in the centre of the city, in Castlegate. Free to attend and fun for all of the family, this festive delight will see a tall, beautifully decorated Christmas tree, which has been gifted to the city by its twin town of Stavanger in Norway, come to life in true twinkly glory.

Taking place annually in the final week of November, the Christmas Tree switch on event is put on by the local Aberdeen council, which also organises a carol service to coincide with the lighting of the tree.

Did somebody say Hogmanay? Hogmanay is the Scottish name for the last day of the year, and so is the country’s own unique spin on New Year’s Eve. With people flocking from all over the country to celebrate Hogmanay in style, in one of the bigger Scottish cities, it’s worth making sure that you book any accommodation far in advance of this date, as the local hotels and hostels get booked up quickly at this time of year.

Aberdeen’s Hogmanay takes place on School Hill in the heart of the city, so it’s the perfect place to drive to in your holiday hire car. Ring in the new year to the backdrop of famous artists and bands playing their favourite festive music, before marvelling at the impressive Hogmanay fireworks display overhead.

Traditional festivals

Looking to soak up some true Aberdeenshire culture, whilst you’re visiting the city? Make sure to head to one of the annual festivals held throughout the city including the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival or the May Festival.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival takes place in the Portsoy area, just a short drive from the city of Aberdeen in your holiday hire car. Jam packed with fun and laughter for all the family, the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival is a truly engaging experience for both locals and tourists alike. Bringing together traditional crafts, boats, new and old music, and locally-sourced food and drink, the festival is a celebration of the area’s rich cultural – and maritime – heritage.

The festival is themed around several competitive races, as well as open-sea sailing, which you can cheer on from the safety of the side lines. Over 16,000 people attend the weekend-long festival, which takes place in the last week of June each year, just make sure to check the ticket prices before you arrive – all prices can be found online.